The Master of Arts in Mass Communication emphasizes critical thinking about mass media content and its effects on the public as well as journalistic and strategic communication practices. It teaches students how to analyze, conduct, and present scholarly research in mass communication. Our program enhances professional skills in strategic communication/public relations, multi-platform storytelling, production, reporting, and media research and theory.
This graduate degree can be completed in person or online. Learn more about the fully online degree option.
Students may choose from two options: thesis (includes a six-hour thesis with oral defense) or professional (includes an approved professional project). Both options require 33 credit hours. Each student’s program is subject to an adviser’s approval.
Please reach out to us if you have questions about our graduate degree.
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate credit
- A letter of 250-500 words outlining professional goals and purpose for desiring the degree
- A résumé of professional and academic experience and accomplishments
- Two letters of recommendation from former professors who can evaluate the applicant’s academic abilities
These materials, including official transcript(s) must be submitted to the UA Little Rock Graduate School. In evaluating each applicant, the graduate program admissions committee weighs the transcript(s) and evidence of professional competence or potential. Students whose application materials do not satisfy regular admission requirements may submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as supplemental information to be considered by the admissions committee.
Graduation Requirements
All courses are usually taken in the School of Mass Communication. However, up to nine approved cognate graduate hours may be taken in other graduate areas. In some cases, courses from another area can form a concentration area.
If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, that student may enroll for only three credits per semester until the GPA rises to 3.0 or higher.
